world19News #169
November 1, 2005

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In this issue:
1. Where has world19 been?
2. The continuing MPAC mess
3. Gerard Kennedy Property Assessment meeting
4. Community Notices:
  a) Four Villages website
  b) Swansea Public School Craft Sale - Nov. 19
  c) Antique show - Nov. 27
5. Don Jennison: Village Gleaner article
 

1. WHERE HAS WORLD19 BEEN?
It's been many months since there has been a world19 newsletter, and we've received a number of enquiries about its disappearance.

As the one who has updated the website and newsletter over the years, I want to apologize to interested readers for our "silent disappearance". However, time constraints -- and simply the need for a significant break after almost 8 years -- has taken precedence.

The community involvement among world19 readers, and the notes of support have all been very much appreciated.

In the meantime, at least for a while, the world19 newsletter will become a very occasional publication. (And the website will probably be updated pretty rarely).

For those who want to visit, I can still be found on the web at www.to-music.ca -- my website of music photos (primarily African, and other world and roots music).

2. THE CONTINUING MPAC MESS
Anyone who has received this newsletter recently or who has scanned our website is aware of the excellent information on Property Assessment and the "questionable" -- and secret -- methods employed by the Provincially-mandated Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). Almost all the information we've posted or distributed has come from 2 readers (Bruce Haines and David MacAlpine) who have spent a great amount of effort and expertise pursuing the faulty process. With the most recent round of assessments having just been completed, and having carried so much information about MPAC, we felt it was worth using our news list to

In particular, David and Bruce are trying to force MPAC to release detailed information about how they calculate values. The more people behind the effort, the more likely this will be accomplished. Anyone interested in this or other MPAC issues can email world19 and we will put you in touch with our local "MPAC-fighters"

Premier McGuinty has said any change to the assessment methods will have to wait for a review by the provincial Ombudsman -- expected to take four months. The Ombudsman, André Marin has said that he has been flooded with complaints, and described MPAC's system as "aloof, mysterious and cloaked with secrecy."

And a timely related item, from Parkdale-High Park MPP Gerard Kennedy
3. GERARD KENNEDY PROPERTY ASSESSMENT MEETING
Thursday, November 3rd 7 - 9 PM
Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton Catholic Secondary School Auditorium
1515 Bloor Street West
South east corner at Dundas St. West :

MPAC has now sent out the 2005 Property Assessment Notices in Parkdale-High Park. Please join me to hear representatives of MPAC discuss changes in the 2005 Notices and answer your questions about how your property is assessed. Learn how to ask for reconsideration from MPAC or appeal your assessment (appeals deadline is March 31, 2006).

Special guest Councillor Sylvia Watson will be on hand to discuss how your municipal taxes are calculated.

Hope to see you there!

416 763-5630

 

4. RECENT COMMUNITY NOTICES:
a) Four Villages website;
"The Four Villages Community Health Centre has come of age, electronically speaking.

On behalf of staff and board I am happy to inform you that Four Villages has launched a new website, www.4villageschc.ca. The site has general information about Four Villages, as well as more specific information about our services and programs.

We hope that the site will assist residents of the communities we serve with finding information they are looking for about their community health centre.

We invite you to explore our new site. Your comments and feedback are most welcome."
 

b) Swansea Public School Craft Sale - Nov. 19
11th Annual Holiday Craft Sale at Swansea Public School enter via 15 Waller Avenue, just south of Bloor St. West near Runnymede Road on Saturday, November 19th from 10-3. Admission is $2. Come and find that unique gift for friends and family. We have handmade crafts, jams, and holiday decorations, bake table, stocking stuffers, refreshments, a raffle, and much more. Meet our special guest Santa and have your photo taken with him.

c) Antique Show - Nov. 27
rd Annual West End Community Antique Show, Sunday, November 27th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Swansea Town Hall, 95 Lavinia Avenue (Bloor and Runnymede) Items for sale include silver, china, glass, books, jewellery, art, furniture and much more. Evaluations available. For information please call 416-392-1954 x242.

5. DON JENNISON
Earlier this year, we passed on news and tributes to Don Jennison, a founding member of world19 who passed away in April. We collected tributes from various sources (including Toronto City Council and Parkdale-High Park MP Sarmite Bulte) and posted them on our website at www.don.world19.com. Since our last newsletter update, we've added a reproduction of the Village Gleaner front page story about Don.

For world19,
John Leeson